#Healthcare brands; #mediainflation; #ZenithROIAgency

New York, Aug 12 (Canadian-Media): Healthcare brands are being pushed to build awareness in other media, notably out-of-home and online by media inflation and declining ratings in key markets, Zenith ROI agency reports said. 

The ROI Agency, Zenith, based in London (united Kingdom), blends data, technology to  solve complex challenges and grow clients’ businesses.

The ROI Agency, Zenith 

There has been a decline of 3.1 percent in 2018 in healthcare adspend on television and according to forecast to decline 4.6 percent in 2019 and 5.2 percent in both 2020 and 2021.

Out-of-home healthcare adspend grew 11 percent in 2018, and is forecast to grow 15 percent in 2019.

With healthcare adspend moving into more targeted and personalised social and digital channels, internet advertising, being the television’s main competition, allows healthcare brands to improve efficiency by discreet reaching of potential customers leading to reduction in  consumers who are not potential customers 

With the growth of healthcare internet adspend to 16 percent in 2018, expected another year of 16 percent growth in 2019, it is forecast that by 2021, internet will overtake television to become the biggest medium for healthcare advertising.

Indian healthcare advertising being concentrated in print, accounts for over three quarters of healthcare adspend. And India is one of the few markets in which newspaper circulation, readership and adspend are all on the rise. Excluding India, the share of healthcare advertising taken by newspapers is actually expected to drop from 2.1 percent in 2018 to just 1.6 percent in 2021.

Reporting by Asha Bajaj

The event kickstarted weeklong consultations that are part of UNCTAD’s assessment of the country’s readiness to engage in e-commerce, the first such exercise in a non-least developed country.

Nearly 100 people drawn from Iraq’s public and private sectors exchanged views on how to overcome the challenges that hinder e-commerce in the war-affected country.
“We have to build trust among consumers and create an enabling legal environment,” minister of communication, Naeem Al-Rubaie, said.
He emphasized the need for fitting legal frameworks and legislation to regulate e-commerce and protect the rights of online sellers and buyers.

Iraqi minister of communication, Naeem Al-Rubaie, speaking during the high-level event on e-commerce and the digital economy in Baghdad on 28 July.
​
Hurdles and opportunities
“We are pleased to help Iraq assess hurdles and opportunities in the e-commerce sector as it embarks on national reforms to harness ICT for its reconstruction,” UNCTAD’s director of technology and logistics, Shamika N. Sirimanne, said.

The UNCTAD assessment will provide a roadmap for developing e-commerce in the country and complement the government’s initiative to upgrade ICT infrastructure, build digital trust by improving cybersecurity and support e-government.

The assessment builds on a survey recently conducted among a sample of public and private sector respondents.

The survey revealed the need to work on areas such as e-payment, ICT infrastructure, regulatory frameworks and the logistics system to create a conducive environment for e-commerce in Iraq.

Decades of conflict have ruined the infrastructure needed for e-commerce to flourish in Iraq. Telecommunications infrastructure is worst hit.

Also, Iraq has low rates of technological literacy and lacks a coherent national strategy, regulations and investments needed to participate in the digital economy.

Yet, with 60% of the population under 25, Iraq has an enormous untapped potential of using e-commerce for development. 

Higher rates of smartphone usage, higher internet access and higher competition between ICT providers would enhance e-commerce in Iraq, most survey respondents said.

In addition, solutions for safe and easy e-payment are highly needed in Iraq. The most common payment methods are cash-on-delivery and bank transfer, with limited credit card use.

E-payment solutions are needed to create a conducive environment for e-commerce, 89% of the respondents from the public sector said.

Iraqis are also concerned about regulation. More than 70% of the respondents expressed strong approval for regulations on privacy, consumer protection and cybercrime to enhance trust in e-commerce.

They also noted that logistical services required for e-commerce are inadequate, with more than 60% of them expressing the need for easier customs clearance, electronic shipment tracking and a good local shipping network.

Eighteen assessments done

Iraq is the latest country to benefit from UNCTAD’s eTrade Readiness Assessment programme that helps countries to identify the challenges and opportunities associated with e-commerce and put in place the right strategies and interventions. 

The assessment to be finalized in December is funded by the International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation and implemented with the Universal Postal Union under the auspices of Iraqi ministries of communication and commerce.
​
Over the past three years, UNCTAD has conducted 18 e-trade readiness assessments and another seven are ongoing.

From: Employment and Social Development Canada
News releaseBigger Canada Child Benefit payments start now
July 18, 2019                Napanee, ON            Employment and Social Development Canada

Helping middle-class Canadian families provide the best start in life for their children is a top priority for the Government of Canada. That’s why, in July 2018, the Canada Child Benefit (CCB) was increased two years ahead of schedule to keep up with the cost of living. The CCB is targeted at middle-class families and the people working hard to join it. It currently provides more money to 9 out of 10 families than previous child benefit programs.

Today, the Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development, announced that, starting now, the CCB will be raised to keep up with the cost of living. This means that for the 2019–20 benefit year, the maximum benefit will be $6,639 per child under age 6, and $5,602 per child aged 6 through 17.

For example, a single mother with two children under the age of 6 and an income of $30,000 will receive an additional $286 tax-free for the upcoming benefit year. This means up to $13,278 in support every year.

Thanks to the CCB, parents have more money to help pay for things such as healthy food, sports programs and music lessons for their children. Increasing the CCB will ensure that it continues to give all Canadian families a fair chance to succeed.
Quotes“Today’s announcement means that Canadian parents will have more money in their pockets—up to $143 more tax-free per child. Parents have told me how much this means when the family budget is already stretched, but their son has a growth spurt or their daughter’s day camp fees are due. Increasing the CCB once again demonstrates our government’s vital role in supporting those families who really need it most.”
– The Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development
“On this third anniversary of the Canada Child Benefit, we are celebrating helping families in situations where a bit of extra money is really making a difference. Tax filing opens the door to benefits and credits, and we will continue to make it easier for Canadians to access the support to which they are entitled.”
– The Honourable Diane Lebouthillier, Minister of National Revenue
“From day one, we have been working hard to ensure that parents across Napanee and surrounding area have the money they need to help with the high cost of raising a family. Three years later, I have seen time and again the important impact this has had to lift kids out of poverty and help middle class families. And, the great thing about the Canada Child Benefit is the positive impact it has on spending for things like recreational activities so our communities’ summer camps, kids’ music-related activities, and children’s sports leagues are benefitting as well.”
 – Mike Bossio, MP for Hastings-Lennox and Addington
Quick facts

• More than 1.3 million families in Ontario received nearly $9 billion from the CCB in the 2017–18 benefit year.
  
• The CCB has had a positive impact on families’ incomes, playing a key role in reducing child poverty. There were 278,000 fewer children living in poverty in 2017 than there were in 2015.
  
• Tax filing opens the door to benefits and credits, including the Canada Child Benefit. Over 29 million returns were filed for the 2018 tax-filing season.
  
• Not only are payments increasing immediately, but changes have also been made to simplify and clarify the CCB application form. This was done following extensive consultation to ensure that all Canadian parents who need it the most can more easily access the benefits and credits to which they are entitled.
  
• Across Canada between July 2017 and June 2018, over 3.7 million families received more than $23 billion in annual Canada Child Benefit payments.
  
• The CCB has been recognized by the International Monetary Fund, the Bank of Canada and other experts as a key contributor to helping strengthen Canada’s middle class.
  
• Examples of the new indexation rates for the upcoming 2019–20 benefit year:
  
  • A single-parent family with one child aged under the age of 6 and earning $25,000 will receive an additional $143, bringing their new yearly total benefit to $6,639.
  • A two-parent family with two children aged 4 and 9 and earning $55,000 will receive an additional $354, bringing their new yearly total benefit to $9,017.
  • A two-parent family with two children under the age of 6 earning $90,000 will receive an additional $263 for the upcoming benefit year, bringing their new yearly total benefit to $7,090.

From: Global Affairs Canada
News releaseJuly 18, 2019 - Ottawa, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada
There has never been a better time to diversify Canada’s trade and investment opportunities. With trade deals such as the Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), Canadian exporters gain preferential access to the EU’s more than 500 million consumers.
On July 17 and 18, 2019, the Honorable Jim Carr, Minister of International Trade Diversification, participated in the Canada-European Union Summit in Montréal, Quebec, where he championed the shared commitments to inclusive trade and promoted the tangible benefits of CETA for Canadians and businesses alike.
At the summit, Minister Carr announced the expansion of the Canadian Trade Commissioner Service throughout Europe as part of the government’s trade diversification strategy and commitment to invest $44.1 million to increase the number of trade commissioners available to serve Canadian firms in key overseas markets. The announcement means 11 new trade commissioners are joining the network of more than 160 trade commissioners at embassies and consulates on the ground from Oslo, Norway, to Athens, Greece.
During the summit, Minister Carr met with Cecilia Malmström, European Commissioner for Trade, to discuss building on CETA’s early successes in growing Canadian businesses and creating good-paying jobs for hard-working Canadians. At a round-table lunch with women business leaders, Minister Carr engaged in discussions on opportunities available for businesswomen under CETA and the important contribution women make to sustainable economic growth through trade.
Quotes“It is our job to open more doors and make sure that Canadians have access to global markets. The Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement is already resulting in new customers, clients and good middle-class jobs across Canada. With more trade commissioners on the ground throughout Europe, Canadians will have more opportunities to succeed on the world stage.”
- Jim Carr, Minister of International Trade Diversification
Quick facts

• New trade commissioner positions in Europe will be located in Berlin, Düsseldorf and Munich, Germany; Brussels, Belgium; Bucharest, Romania; Lisbon, Portugal; London, United Kingdom; Milan, Italy; and Tallinn, Estonia.
• In 2018, Canada’s merchandise exports to the EU were nearly $44.5 billion, an increase of 7% over 2017.
• CETA was signed in October 2016 and came into force in September 2017, giving Canada access to the EU’s more than 500 million consumers.
• The EU is Canada’s largest trading partner after the United States.
• CETA strengthens economic relations, promotes new economic opportunities for Canadian and European businesses and increases jobs.
• Approximately 98% of the EU’s tariff lines on Canadian goods have been duty-free since September 21, 2017.

#StrongerCanadianDollarPredicted; #BankofCanada; #U.S.FederalReserve

Ottawa, July 12 (Canadian-Media): A stronger Canadian dollar is predicted as the Bank of Canada is on hold and the U.S. Federal Reserve is set to cut interest rates, media reports said.

Bank of Canada/Twitter

Central banks on both sides of the border were provided with monetary-policy guidance yesterday with different  perspectives.

In the United States, Fed chairman Jerome Powell had guaranteed that the Federal Open Market Committee will cut rates at its meeting in late July, according to TD senior economist James Marple.

Royal Bank of Canada did not appear to be in any rush to lower rates.

The value of the loonie is determined specifically by the difference between the government of Canada two-year bond yield and the equivalent U.S. Treasury bond yield.

Christine Legarde/Facebook

​Osaka (Japan), Jun 30 (IMF/Canadian-Media): Christine Lagarde, Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), issued the following statement today at the conclusion of the Group of 20 (G20) Leaders’ Summit in Osaka, Japan:

“I would like to congratulate Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Deputy Prime Minister Taro Aso, and Bank of Japan Governor Haruhiko Kurod a for their chairmanship of this G20 Summit, and for their warm hospitality.

“In my discussions with G20 Leaders, I noted that the global economy has hit a rough patch: investment has weakened and trade has slowed significantly, with export and import growth rates at their lowest level since the great financial crisis. Even though the IMF expects growth to strengthen somewhat going forward, the risks to the outlook remain serious.

“Chief among these risks is trade. While the resumption of trade talks between the United States and China is welcome, tariffs already implemented are holding back the global economy, and unresolved issues carry a great deal of uncertainty about the future. I reiterated that the priority should be to reduce obstacles to trade—new and old, tariffs and otherwise—and to address the underlying sources of trade tensions and distortions.

“We need a trading system fit for today’s world which means addressing gaps in the international rule book, including areas like agricultural and industrial subsidies, services and e-commerce. I welcomed Prime Minister Abe’s announcement of the Osaka Track framework relating to data flow and e-commerce. I also joined many Leaders in calling for accelerated reform of the WTO, for the benefit of all economies.

“I also pointed to other key areas where policy action is needed to restore confidence and help growth: central banks will need to continue to adjust policies with incoming data, and fiscal policy must balance growth support and debt sustainability; and structural reforms can support productivity and employment.

“At the same time, the G20 should continue its important efforts to address a range of urgent common issues from corporate taxation to financial regulatory reform to corruption and climate change. I strongly endorse the Osaka Blue Ocean initiative aimed at reducing new plastic marine waste.

“I was also very pleased to participate in the Leaders’ event on women’s empowerment. I presented to Prime Minister Abe the IMF’s assessment of this issue as macro-critical for the global economy, and our analysis which shows that closing the gender gap could boost GDP significantly in Japan and many other countries.
​
“In conclusion, I said that while the global economy is currently at a precarious stage, with the right policies and working together, we can overcome the challenges that we face and set the world on a path of stronger, more sustainable, balanced, and inclusive growth.
“Once again, I would like to thank the government, the city of Osaka, and the people of Japan for their hosting of this Summit meeting.”

#JimCarr; #Canada-IndiaBusinessCouncil; #Canada-IsraelFreeTradeAgreement

​Toronto, Jun 27 (Canadian-Media): Jim Carr, Minister of International Trade Diversification was at the Canada-India Business Council (C-IBC) Toronto Partnership Summit yesterday to promote mutually beneficial trade and investment opportunities between Canada and India, media reports said.

Through its trade diversification strategy, Canada plans to invest reportedly $1.1 billion over six years to help Canadian businesses grow and diversify their exports. Reportedly CanExport program has supported more than 1,200 Canadian SMEs with 1,600 projects to expand their markets and increase export activities in more than 110 markets around the world.

“The business community in Toronto is well-connected, diverse and flexible, with excellent access to international markets...By pursuing trade diversification and continuing to invest in local communities, we continue to promote Canada as a place of business that is open to the world,” said Carr.

Carr also visited the Canada Goose facility, a global sector leader with international global growth. Canada is reportedly investing $290 million to help Canadian businesses to  tap new markets for exports.

"I am so proud of Canada Goose’s role in exporting the brand of Canada around the world, and I am fortunate to have an intimate perspective on what an advantage being Canadian can be on a global business stage,” said Dani Reiss, CEO, Canada Goose

Carr met with members from the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs and the local business community to promote the modernized Canada-Israel Free Trade Agreement (CIFTA).

Carr participated in a panel discussion with Galit Baram, Consul General of Israel, in Toronto where they discussed the benefits of the modernized CIFTA and the significance of the Canada-Israel trade relationship. The panel also highlighted how Canadian businesses are succeeding in the Israeli market to help them navigate that country’s opportunities for Canadian-Israeli partnerships in the growing fields of science, technology and innovation.

Since the original CIFTA entered into force in 1997, two-way merchandise trade between both countries has reportedly more than tripled, totaling $1.9 billion in 2018.

#The updated Canada-Israel Free Trade Agreement will bring our two friendly countries—allies and partners—even closer together,” Galit Baram Consul General, Consulate General of Israel in Toronto said. 

​(Reporting by Asha Bajaj)

#tariffsonCanadiansteelandaluminum; #USForeignPolicy; #ChineseImports

​Ottawa, May 15 (Canadian-Media): Canada's Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland is heading to Washington today due to the intensification of talks over ending the Trump administration’s tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum after months of deadlock, media reports said.

​





Chrystia Freeland/Facebook

United States (U.S.) had been insisting during the discussions with between Canada since last fall,  that Canada and Mexico agree to quotas that would cap the amount of steel and aluminum they export to the U.S. in exchange for the lifting of tariffs.

​Both Canada and Mexico did not accept this deal.

In the meantime trade tensions between the U.S. and China had moved from bad to worse due to Trump's increased  pressure on China last week by increasing tariffs from 10 percent to 25 percent on US$200-billion of Chinese imports.

But China had retaliated on Monday with higher tariffs on US$60-billion worth of U.S. goods. Trump downplayed the scope of the trade war on Tuesday, dismissing the situation as “a little squabble. ”
 
These recent developments have Lawrence Martin arguing that U.S. foreign policy is in shambles, with Canada caught in the crossfire and the potential for far more serious implications in the future.

#Ontario'sBusinessMissiontoIndia

Ottawa/Mumbai, May 3 (Canadian-Media): ​Todd Smith, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade, on behalf of the Government of Ontario, completed a business mission to India, media reports said.
​

Todd Smith/Facebook

Ontario’s jobs are the most export reliant in Canada with 1 in 5 workers, or 1.3 million people, dependent on exports.​

With a mission to promote Ontario as a premier destination to invest and do business with, Smith, during six days in India, met with various businesses, investors and stakeholders across the agri-food, automotive, infrastructure, information and technology, and education sectors in New Delhi, Bangalore and Mumbai.

"Our government's number-one priority is to ensure that Ontario is open for business and open for jobs," said Smith. "India represents the world's seventh largest economy and boasts a population of 1.3 billion people. As one of the fastest growing economies in the world, there are numerous investment, skill development and export opportunities for Ontario."

During the business mission, Smith brought Ontario's open for business, open for jobs message to business leaders across sectors that demonstrate a high degree of trade and investment potential for Ontario.

There are approximately 60 Indian companies across all sectors that have operations and investments in Ontario and approximately 830,000 Ontarians are of Indian origin. There were around 21,000 Indian postsecondary students in Ontario in the 2016/2017 school year. More than 171,000 Indian tourists visited Ontario in 2018.

Ontario's large agri-food industry puts Canada  as the fifth largest agricultural exporter in the world. The Indian automotive sector has the potential to generate up to US$300 billion in annual revenue by 2026.  With hundreds of planned infrastructure projects on the horizon, India can benefit from Ontario's internationally recognized construction and technology designs. India's information and technology sector is set to reach US$350 billion by 2025, making it the largest sourcing destination for IT. Ontario, home to one of North America's largest financial services sectors. The Skill India campaign seeks to train over 500 million people in India with a diverse range of skills by 2020.


"I look forward to continuing a long and prosperous partnership between Ontario and India," said Smith. "Businesses choose the place that will offer them the best conditions to grow. This week I delivered the message that Ontario is that place."